How to Catch The Perfect Ferry Ride From Seattle to Victoria
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Whether you’re a seasoned traveller looking for a new adventure or a curious first-timer embarking on this journey, hopping on the Seattle to Victoria ferry route is a truly fun experience for all ages.
Serving as a crucial connection between Seattle in Washington State and Victoria, BC, Canada Clipper Vacations (aka the Seattle ferry), have become an essential and beloved part of our region’s character.
One I enjoy, whenever I get the chance to travel to Seattle and back. Growing up in Victoria, I loved how easy & fun it made my trips to Seattle and back to Victoria again, both as a kid and as an adult.
So come, join me as I share my personal tips based on our own ferry experiences here, cost & booking details, amenities, pet policies and more.
Plus a quick overview of alternatives if you want to bring a car on the MV Coho Ferry or a road trip and a BC ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria. I’ve done them all.
Ready to grab my local tips, to make your voyage easy & unforgettable? Let’s go!
How To Get From Seattle To Victoria On The Clipper Ferry
The Clipper Ferry, launched back in 1986, has been serving up quick trips from downtown Seattle to downtown Victoria for decades now.
In fact the Victoria Clipper V is the fastest ship in their fleet & the only ferry that goes directly from Seattle to Victoria. Making it the best way to travel to Victoria, BC Canada in my opinion.
Operating a year-round service you can take this high-speed passenger ferry round-trip up to 2 times per day, depending on the season. Making it easy to pop by Victoria for a day trip, or longer.
Planning Your Journey: Overview of Basic Details
- Origin and Destination: Travelling direct between Pier 69 in downtown Seattle and the Belleville Terminal in downtown Victoria, BC’s Inner Harbour.
- Distance Covered: 25 miles / 40 km
- Duration of the Journey: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes
- # of passengers: up to 525
- Cars allowed: No – Passenger only fast ferry
- Sailing Frequency: Up to 2 times daily
- Advanced Base Fare Cost (7 days): ranges from $124 USD to $169 USD roundtrip per adult
- Advanced Base Fare Cost (2 days): ranges from $139 to $179 USD roundtrip per adult
- Standard Base Fare Cost (less than 2 days in advance): ranges from $164 to $209 USD roundtrip per adult
- Check out their schedule online here
How to Book Tickets
Booking your tickets for the Seattle to Victoria ferry is super easy!
⛴️ You can buy ferry tickets online, but do it ahead of time to ensure you get your preferred seating and sailing schedule.
You can also buy them from the Seattle Terminal the day of the sailing, if there’s enough room.
While you can do a day trip, I recommend at least a long weekend or three days in Victoria.
With the ferry schedule, you’ll be pretty limited to what you can see and do, as you’ll only have about 5 hours on a day trip. But if you’re thinking of just sticking close to downtown or visiting the Butchart Gardens, it can be done.
LOCAL TIP: For the best price book at least 7 days in advance and travel during the week. Fri/Sat departures from Seattle and Sun departures from Victoria are $10USD more expensive.
Fare and Seating Options
1. Economy Fare (Main Cabin / Lower Deck)
Looking for the most budget friendly option? Then the main cabin economy fare is your best bet. As the ride is only 2 hours and 45 minutes long, we found the economy section wasn’t the end of the world.
The Economy Panoramic Class seating upgrade guarantees a window seat. Definitely choose a window seat if you can. The views are much better.
We found it to be still comfortable, and you can still purchase local food, alcohol, and other beverages. Or try out the gift shop, for some unique west coast souvenirs.
2. Vista Class Fare (Upper Deck)
Upgrade for about $30 USD extra per way for all the benefits of economy, plus spectacular panoramic views, leather seating with additional leg room, and table or group seating options in certain areas.
This does require walking up stairs though.
A Vista Panoramic Class premium seating upgrade guarantees a window seat.
3. Comfort Class (Upper Deck)
Comfort Class costs about an extra $60 USD each way.
I recommend the Comfort VIP class, if money isn’t tight.
It’s located on the front upper level of the vessel, and this section does get to board before other classes. Last time we splurged for comfort class & got a complimentary glass of prosecco and free access to the snack bar.
These seats offer greater leg room and excellent views of the front of the vessel.
The Comfort VIP premium seats upgrade gives you a window or front row seat.
⭐️ As Comfort Cabins are on the upper deck, you will need to be able to walk up stairs to reach this area as well.
LOCAL TIP: Clipper Vacations offers 20% or more off of their ticket price & special hotel rates if you purchase a vacation hotel package through them directly, at specific Victoria hotels. They’re not the cheapest hotels, so if you’re on a tighter budget, double check it’s not cheaper to just buy your preferred hotel separately.
They also have the option to add on activities such as Victoria whale watching, or the world-renowned Butchart Gardens etc. If you are planning a short trip, this can save you some time, and hassle.
Tips about ferry fares:
- Prices change seasonally. Typically ferry fares are less in the off season, and more expensive in the summer.
- Fares cost $10 more on weekends: Friday & Saturday departures from Seattle, and Sunday departures from Victoria.
- Children (1-11 yrs old): Cost 50% of adult fare. Under 1 yrs are free.
- Extra fees: A security fee and fuel surcharge is added to all the Seattle/Victoria fares. Tax is included in the cost.
- Change Fee: Any changes to your reservation will cost a $30 USD fee.
- Same day tickets: Yes they’re allowed, if there is space on the boat.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Whether you can cancel your ticket and get a refund for the FRS Clipper ferry from Seattle to Victoria depends on when and what type of ticket you purchased.
- Advance Fare tickets are non-refundable.
- Standard Fares are refundable up to 2 or more days (48 hours or more) prior to the departure date on your ticket. Under 48 hours they’re non-refundable. If you’re unsure of the dates I think this option is the safer bet.
There’s also a $30USD fee for any type of ticket change.
If you need to cancel, or change your reservation, they’d like you to do it through their contact page here rather than calling.
Sailing Schedules and Frequency
The passenger-only ferry from Seattle to Victoria runs 1 or two times a day depending on the season / month.
Victoria Clipper ferry ride:
- Ferry leaves Seattle at 8 am and arrives in Victoria at 11 am if there’s only one sailing.
- Ferry leaves Seattle at 7:30 am or 3:15 pm and arrives in Victoria at 10:45am or 6pm if there’s two sailings that day.
As times can change it’s best to check out their schedule online.
Onboard the FRS Clipper Ferry
A couple of quick tips I’ve learned over multiple trips:
- While the ferry is heated, I found it can get pretty cold with the doors being opened and closed throughout the trip. Make sure you bring a cozy sweater, jacket or even a blanket with you.
- Carry-on your luggage for the quickest boarding & getting off the ferry and through customs.
- The Clipper rate (must use their voucher) for the Bell Street Garage in Seattle is a reasonable $10 / day. I’ve had friends even park their car overnight the night before, when coming to visit us, as it’s cheaper than hotels & other garages in the area.
- Vista class gets you on the upper level, without the higher price of Comfort Class. Once on board, you can sometimes sit in another seat (if one is available).
Amenities & Services Onboard
Well, it’s more than just a ride—it’s a mini vacation on the water! If you’re lucky you may even get to do some impromptu west coast whale watching.
Once aboard, you’ll find plenty of amenities to make your journey comfy and entertaining.
- Peckish? They’ve got a snack bar serving up breakfast items, light meals and snacks. Everything from yogurt parfaits & pastries, to sandwiches, salads and Seattle’s own Chocolate Truffle Bars. I love those truffle bars.
- Need to stay connected? There’s WiFi on board, although it might be a tad slower than your home connection. Plenty of outlets to keep your gadgets charged on the journey too.
- Looking for gifts? Try their gift shop on the main deck for stuffed animals, mugs, clothing and more.
- And duty-free shopping? Yep, they’ve got a selection of those too. US & International Travelers 19+ can purchase one litre or one bottle per person travelling into Canada.
So kick back, relax, and enjoy your mini cruise—Clipper Ferry’s got you covered!
Bringing Pets Aboard Clipper Vacations
Yes pets can be brought aboard the Victoria Clipper vessel. They must have the appropriate vaccinations, be in a pet carrier, and accompanied by their human (no pets as cargo).
Tips for bringing your pet on the Clipper from Seattle to Victoria:
- While they don’t take pet reservations in advance you should let them know via their contact page here so they can note it on your reservation.
- Pet fee is $30 USD each way and your pet must have the appropriate vaccination records.
- Small Pets: If you have a smaller pet and want to bring it onto the passenger cabin for the ferry crossing, it must fit a 20”x11”x11” enclosed carrier (duffel bag/soft crate style with handles), and be 15lbs or less.
Boarding & Luggage
The Victoria Clipper ferry allows you to check two pieces of luggage for $20.00 USD / $25.00 CAD each the day of your travels. As long as it weighs under 50lbs. Extra charges apply for more weight.
LOCAL TIP: They only allow you to pay for your luggage with a credit card, no cash, so make sure you are prepared for that. I found that out the hard way one time, luckily my travelling companion was more prepared.
Carry on allowance is one piece of luggage ( no more than 20 lbs & 24” x 16” x 10” including wheels and frame) and one personal item.
There’s storage racks on the lower deck of the vessel for carry-ons. I recommend using the racks by the rear exit, as the center racks are harder to get at and retrieve your luggage while everyone is disembarking.
⭐️ Also make sure you arrive at least one hour prior to departure, to leave enough time for checking in, boarding etc. The final boarding call is 20 minutes prior to departure.
LOCAL TIP: We find the waiting room in Victoria a bit crowded, so it’s not easy to bring strollers in, if you have littles.
Immigration Procedures
As you’ll be travelling between the US and Canada you will need to bring approved ID (Passport, Passport Card, Enhanced Driver License from certain provinces or states, Nexus Card or an Enhanced ID Card (EDL/ID).
Children aged 15 and under only need proof of their Canadian or US citizenship with an original or photocopy of a birth certificate or citizenship card.
A Visa may be required depending on your country of origin, or wherever your passport is from.
You will pass through Customs and Border Control.
⭐️ This section is for basic info only, so For more details check out all the ID & entry requirements. , Make sure you follow US & Canada Custom requirements.
Arriving in Victoria via the Clipper Ferry
The Clipper ferry from Seattle to Victoria docks right in Inner Harbour.
If I had one criticism, it would be that disembarking is a bit of barely controlled chaos as everyone rushes to clear customs. And even if you pay for Comfort Class, they don’t let you off first. So it’s a bit of a free for all.
You can easily walk anywhere in the downtown core from the ferry terminal. Or take a taxi or public transportation to your hotel, or sites.
LOCAL TIP: Luggage can be stored at the Victoria side year-round (10am – 5pm) at the FRS Clipper Victoria Terminal. The cost is $15 CAD per bag (credit card only). Which we find super handy if you want to explore the city before you can check into your hotel. Or before catching the ferry back to Seattle.
Things to do in Victoria
Check out our list of favourite fun things to do in Victoria for all ages, from the Royal BC Museum, and High Tea at the Empress, to wandering Inner Harbour, taking a seaplane tour & having seafood lunch to go from Red Fish Blue Fish, and more.
⭐️ Also check out our 3 day family friendly Victoria itinerary to give you some fun ideas.
🏨 Here are our favourite Family Hotels in Victoria Canada that we recommend to our friends and family to stay at too.
Return Journey – Victoria to Seattle
The return ferry from Victoria to Seattle leaves one to two times daily depending on the season, and more often during holiday weekends.
You can check the ferry schedule here as the times change depending on which day of the week, and month.
Catch this international ferry at the Belleville Street Terminal. Be sure to leave extra time as we’ve found that customs takes longer on this leg of the journey.
LOCAL TIP: We find the waiting room in Victoria a bit crowded, so it’s not easy to bring strollers in, if you have littles.
Other Ferry Options from Seattle to Victoria
Just a quick note on other ferry options from Seattle to Victoria.
Coho Ferry
If you want to take your car from Seattle to Victoria, the 90 minute MV Coho Ferry from Port Angeles, WA to downtown Victoria is one option. They also allow walk-on & bicycle passengers.
There is something so charming about the Coho Ferry, and I’ve taken it a few times, both as a foot passenger & with a car. However it is a longer trip, especially if you take public transit.
But this ferry crossing is the more budget friendly option. Run by Black Ball Ferry Line, it will take about 2.5 hours to drive from Seattle to downtown Port Angeles.
Reservations are highly recommended. However they do put aside some space on a first come, first served basis.
Arrive at least 60 minutes prior to your sailing time.
Coho Ferry Overview
- Origin and Destination: Travelling between Port Angeles, WA and the Belleville Terminal in downtown Victoria, BC’s Inner Harbour.
- Distance Covered: 22.59 nautical miles (42 km)
- Duration of the Journey: 90 minutes
- # of passengers: 1,000
- Cars allowed: Yes
- Bicycles allowed: Yes
- Pets Allowed: Yes, either in your vehicle or the passenger deck area
- Sailing Frequency: 2 to 4 times daily, season dependent. Check schedule here
- Fare Cost: $73 for vehicle & driver, $22 Adults, $11 Kids. 4 and under free. Fee for advanced vehicle reservation (non-refundable): $16 round trip online $26 by phone. Prices are going up in May.
By Bus & Ferry
If you don’t have a car, and have a good amount of time then you can bus from Seattle to downtown Port Angeles. I have done it before and it’s a pretty fun adventure. But it does take a bit more time than driving.
- Washington State Ferries: First grab the Washington State Ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island ($8.20 USD per person, about a 35 minute ferry ride).
- Then transfer to the Clallam Transit Strait Shot Bus to Port Angeles, WA ($10 USD per person, approx. 2 hour ride).
- It’s only about a 2 minute walk to the Port Angeles ferry terminal from the closest bus stop in Port Angeles.
Amenities Onboard the MV Coho Ferry
While not as plush as the Victoria Clipper, the Coho Ferry has all the amenities you need:
- Coffee Shop – where you can grab a snack or coffee
- Duty-free Shopping
- free Wi-Fi
- Bicycle Racks
- Pet-friendly Areas. Pets must be on a leash on the main passenger deck.They also will need to have their proper travel documents & vaccinations.
- Gift Shop for souvenirs
Drive from Seattle to Vancouver, BC & Take the BC Ferry
Nothing quite compares to the journey through the Pacific Northwest’s lush landscapes, complete with vibrant, sprawling cityscapes, crisp coastal air, and an abundance of marine life sightings.
My brother just did this route last month, as it was about the same time as taking the Coho Ferry route (2.5 hours driving time). He wanted to show his son some more of Canada, and said it was quick and easy.
Here’s how you’ll navigate your way from the Emerald City to the City of Gardens via Vancouver, BC, aboard the remarkable BC Ferries.
Embark on a Road Trip to Vancouver
Fasten your seatbelts, friends, because we’re hitting the road for an adventure that’s just as thrilling as the destination!
Remember, you’ll be crossing the US-Canadian border, so bring proper identification (like a valid passport, passport card etc.).
US and Canadian citizens can use their NEXUS card for faster border crossing.
Here is a quick overview of Seattle to Tsawwassen Ferry terminal and the BC Ferries to Victoria.
You won’t actually be driving through downtown Vancouver itself. So if you want to sightsee, plan extra time, and a little detour.
- The main route is I-5 North from downtown Seattle for 115 miles (185km). Heading past Bellingham to the Peace Arch border crossing between Blaine, Washington, and Surrey, British Columbia.
- Once on the Canada side stay on BC-99 N and follow signs for Delta. Once in Delta, BC you’ll be taking the exit onto BC-17 for about 16 miles (26 kilometres) until you see signs for the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal.
- You’ll know you’re close because of the salty air. Pull into the terminal, purchase your ticket (or use your pre-booked one), and then wait for the next ferry to the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal in Victoria.
Keep in mind, driving times can really depend on traffic and border crossing times. It’s always best to give yourself lots of extra time just in case.
BC Ferries overview
- Origin and Destination: Travelling between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay
- Duration of the Journey: 95 minutes
- Cars allowed: Yes
- Bicycles allowed: Yes. No extra cost.
- Pets Allowed: Yes, in your vehicle or the designated pet areas.
- Sailing Frequency: Every hour or two, season dependent
- Fare Cost: Varies. Use their fare calculator to get a cost estimate.
A few Local Travel Tips we’ve found after 100s of ferry rides for a smooth sailing trip:
- Arrive at least 60 minutes prior to your sailing time.
- ⭐️ Make a reservation for BC Ferries during peak travel times to ensure you secure a spot. There may be multiple sailing waits during the busy times without one.
- Always keep an eye on traffic and border updates. Unexpected delays can happen!
- Remember that you’ll be crossing an international border, so research any visa or entry requirements that may apply to you.
- Travel with water and refillable bottles for you and your pets.
- Check out the BC Ferries schedule and the current conditions / if there’s any wait times
- The weather can be unpredictable in the Pacific Northwest, so dress in layers and carry a waterproof jacket.
Enjoy this Seattle to Victoria via Vancouver adventure, from bustling city centres to coastal ocean passages. So buckle up, breathe in the salty sea air, and let the journey unfold!
Remember, as with any road trip, the journey is part of the fun. So, crank up the tunes, take in the sights if you have time, and enjoy this epic adventure from Seattle to Tsawwassen!
FAQs
Is there a ferry from Seattle to Victoria, BC?
Yes, the Victoria Clipper Ferry operates a direct passenger-only service from Seattle to Victoria, BC. This high-speed catamaran takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes, offering 2 to 3 daily sailings subject to seasonal adjustments. It’s a popular, convenient, and scenic way to travel between the two cities.
What are the differences between the Clipper Ferry and the Coho Ferry?
The Clipper Ferry operates a high speed service between Seattle and Victoria, providing a direct, passenger-only service that takes 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Coho Ferry, on the other hand, is the more budget friendly option that takes longer as it operates between Port Angeles, Washington, and downtown Victoria. It accommodates both vehicles and passengers.
How far in advance should I book my Victoria Clipper ferry ticket?
It’s recommended to book your Victoria Clipper ferry ticket at least 2-3 weeks in advance during peak travel seasons. However, for non-peak times, a few days in advance should be ok.. Remember, it’s always better to book early to secure your preferred seat and travel times.
Is Victoria a day trip from Seattle?
Yes, Victoria can be a day trip from Seattle, especially with the Victoria Clipper Ferry’s high-speed service. The journey takes under 3 hours each way, giving you a good chunk of the day to explore Victoria’s highlights. However, Victoria has much to offer, so an overnight stay is recommended to fully enjoy the city.
Final Thoughts: Seattle to Victoria, BC Ferry
And there you have it – a detailed guide to travelling by ferry from the Emerald City of Seattle to the splendid gardens of Victoria, BC.
Whether you choose the direct Clipper Ferry, the Coho vehicle ferry, or the leisurely drive to Tsawwassen for the BC Ferries, this journey promises stunning sights, serene seas, and unforgettable experiences.
Don’t forget to plan ahead, book your tickets in time, and prepare for border crossings.
Breathe in the salty sea air, see some marine life (hopefully do a bit of whale watching), and let the rhythm of the Pacific Northwest carry you to Victoria, Canada.
As they say, the journey is as important as the destination. Happy travels, explorers!
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